Slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is more than just a time-saver—it’s a throwback to kitchen traditions with the ease of modern cooking. There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm dish of scalloped potatoes, and using a slow cooker makes it even better. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish delivers layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
The Best Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe brings creamy, cheesy comfort straight to your table with minimal effort. Made with layers of Yukon gold potatoes, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a golden crust, it’s the perfect side dish for holidays or cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes (sliced ⅛ inch thick)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup shredded mozzarella or gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk or heavy cream
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme or paprika
Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing)
Instructions
Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and garlic, stir for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk or cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella.
Spread a thin layer of potato slices on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spoon a layer of cheese sauce over the potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme or paprika.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese sauce on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Optional: Uncover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to thicken sauce and brown the top.
Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
Use a mandoline for even potato slices to ensure uniform cooking.
You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the fridge (covered). Let it come to room temp before cooking.
For a crispy topping, finish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Table of Contents
My Family’s Love for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Growing up, this dish was a highlight at every family gathering. My grandma made scalloped potatoes in a well-loved casserole dish, layering them with butter, cream, and sharp cheddar. It took hours—and love. I remember how the scent would drift through her kitchen, promising something comforting and indulgent.
When life got busier, I searched for a simpler way to recreate that flavor. That’s when I started making my own version: a slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe that brings all the richness and heart of the original, but with less hands-on time. It’s warm, deeply satisfying, and fits right into my busy weekday or holiday routine.
Why I Always Come Back to This Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory on a plate. Every time I make it, the layers of tender potatoes and creamy sauce take me back to my grandma’s kitchen. What makes it even better now is how effortlessly it fits into modern life. I can prep it in the morning, set the slow cooker, and come home to a bubbling, golden dish that’s ready to serve.
It pairs beautifully with cozy dishes like these chicken and waffles in the air fryer or this rack of lamb air fryer recipe. And no matter how many new meals I try, this slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe remains a favorite—simple, soulful, and perfect for sharing.
Best Ingredients for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Start with Yukon gold or russet potatoes—they maintain their shape beautifully even after long hours in the slow cooker. Slice each one thinly and evenly; aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch (roughly the width of two stacked quarters). While a mandoline will give you precision, a sharp knife and steady hand work just as well. Consistent slices help your slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe cook evenly from top to bottom.
When it comes to cheese, mixing varieties makes all the difference. Use sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for that creamy melt, and a touch of gruyère to add subtle nuttiness. To make the cheese sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, then whisk in 1 to 1½ cups of warm milk or heavy cream, along with minced garlic for richness.
Add flavor boosters like ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme or a dash of smoked paprika to warm things up without overpowering the dish’s creaminess.
Tip #1: Pair your potatoes with crispy textures to break the richness. Try crunchy air fryer chickpeas or a blooming onion to create balance on the plate.
Layering and Assembly for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step #1: Coat the inside of your slow cooker insert with butter or nonstick spray. This helps keep every cheesy bite intact when serving.
Step #2: Build layers—place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom, then spoon a layer of cheese sauce over them. Repeat this pattern until all ingredients are used. Sprinkle salt and pepper lightly over each potato layer to season as you go.
Step #3: About 30 minutes before serving, top everything with a final layer of shredded cheese. This step gives the dish that gorgeous, golden crust on top.
Optional Add-In: Want to make it a full meal? Add thin slices of cooked ham or turkey between the potato layers for a savory twist on this classic slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe.
Step #4: For cooking, set your slow cooker to low for 6½ hours or high for just under 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese sauce is bubbling with creamy perfection.
Cooking Time and Prep Tips for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
One of the biggest advantages of a slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe is how well it fits into real life. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal or need something hands-off for a busy weekday, understanding how long to cook and how early you can prepare the dish makes it even easier to love.
How Long to Cook Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for Perfect Texture
The cooking time depends on your schedule and preferred texture. For soft, melt-in-your-mouth layers, cook the slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, high heat for 3 to 4 hours works too. Just make sure your slow cooker is properly layered and sealed with the lid on to trap in the steam.
You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to settle. This keeps the layers intact when serving.
Pair it with a slice of banana bread from the air fryer for a sweet and savory comfort combo, or make it part of a relaxed weekend lineup with air fryer tortilla pizza.
How Far in Advance Can You Prep Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
You can prepare your slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Simply slice the potatoes and make your cheese sauce, then assemble everything in the slow cooker insert. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
If prepping ahead, be sure to press the potatoes down gently into the sauce so they don’t oxidize. This keeps them from browning. When ready to cook, remove from the fridge, let the insert sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then place it in the cooker and turn on the heat.
This make-ahead flexibility is what makes the recipe a go-to during busy seasons and big family events. You can get everything ready the night before and let the slow cooker do the rest the next day.
Final Texture Tips for Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
You’ve prepped, layered, and waited patiently—now it’s time to ensure your slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe finishes with that perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender potatoes. The right techniques in the final stretch can make all the difference between “good” and “can’t-stop-eating.”
How to Thicken Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe the Right Way
If your sauce feels thinner than expected, don’t panic—there are easy fixes. Start strong by making a roux: melt equal parts butter and flour, then slowly whisk in cream or milk. That thick base helps the sauce hold together beautifully during the slow cook.
If you need to thicken it after it’s done, remove the lid and leave it on high heat for just under 30 minutes. Doing this allows moisture to evaporate naturally, which gives you a thicker, silkier sauce.
Another way to fix it fast is by stirring in a heaping tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan before serving. This not only deepens the flavor but also thickens the sauce gently without overpowering the dish. Still not thick enough? Mash a few cooked potato slices right into the sauce—they act as a natural binder.
This dish goes especially well with sides that offer some crunch. Pair it with corn ribs in the air fryer or these crispy fish tacos to bring contrast and balance to the meal.
How Long Does It Take for Potatoes to Soften in a Slow Cooker?
When sliced thin—about the width of two stacked coins—the potatoes soften fully with 6 to 7 hours on low heat. For faster prep, they’ll cook through in around 3½ to 4 hours on high.
To maintain even cooking, avoid removing the lid during the process. Each time it’s lifted, heat escapes and the internal temperature drops, slowing everything down.
Once ready, the potatoes should be tender enough to pierce effortlessly with a fork, and the cheese sauce should be bubbling around the edges. Be sure not to let it go too long though—overcooking will make the layers collapse. The goal is soft and flavorful, but still able to hold their form.
Conclusion: A Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe That Feels Like Home
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, satisfying taste of a homemade slow cooker scalloped potatoes recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—warm, indulgent, and rich with nostalgia. Whether you’re prepping for a celebration or just craving something creamy and hearty, this recipe offers all the comfort of tradition with the ease of modern cooking.
From choosing the best potatoes and cheeses to mastering the cook time and texture, each step helps you create a meal that’s more than just food—it’s a memory in the making. I hope it brings the same joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook scalloped potatoes in a slow cooker?
To get perfectly tender and creamy layers, set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours—or use the high setting for about 3½ to 4 hours if you’re short on time. Just make sure your potato slices are even so they cook through evenly without turning to mush.
How far in advance can scalloped potatoes be prepared?
You can prep your scalloped potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply slice the potatoes, prepare the cheese sauce, and assemble the layers in your slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before turning on the heat.
How to thicken crockpot scalloped potatoes?
If the sauce ends up too thin, cook uncovered on high for 25 to 30 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate. You can also stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan or mash a few cooked potato slices into the sauce to naturally thicken it.
How long does it take for potatoes to soften in a slow cooker?
When sliced about ⅛ inch thick, potatoes will soften fully in 6 to 7 hours on low or 3½ to 4 hours on high. Keep the lid closed to maintain heat and moisture for even cooking throughout the dish.
Welcome to Yumi Meals!
I’m Yumi, and this space is a heartfelt extension of my lifelong love for cooking. What began in my grandmother’s kitchen has become a journey of sharing soulful, approachable recipes that celebrate connection, tradition, and creativity. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, I hope Yumi Meals brings warmth and inspiration to your table.
